Tzu Chi volunteers and local residents work together to distribute the first wave of daily supplies in La Guaira following the powerful earthquake. | Photo: Tzu Chi Foundation

On June 24, 2026, two major earthquakes struck Venezuela, claiming over 5,000 lives and leaving tens of thousands of residents displaced overnight. Facing a sudden and severe shortage of food, clean drinking water, and medical resources, families found themselves in a fight for survival. In response to the crisis, emergency international relief operations were swiftly activated to bring essential supplies directly to the hardest-hit communities.

Reaching the coastal communities

The initial relief efforts focused on La Guaira, a coastal city situated 30 kilometers from the capital, Caracas. The distribution was guided by volunteer Yim Wan Ng Cheng (吳冉云), who encouraged a neighborhood-based mutual aid approach among the residents. Instead of merely waiting for aid, 21 local survivors transitioned from receiving help to actively providing it. They put on volunteer vests and joined in the heavy lifting, transporting, and handing out supplies to their fellow community members. This collective local effort not only accelerated the physical distribution process but also offered crucial psychological comfort to a grieving city, showing the deep resilience of the residents.

Survivors took the initiative, putting on volunteer vests to assist with transporting and distributing relief supplies. | Photo: Tzu Chi Foundation

Addressing urgent daily needs

Driven by the combined strength of the local community and volunteers, the entire distribution was completed efficiently in approximately two hours. The operation provided immediate and practical relief to 186 families navigating the aftermath of the disaster. Each family received a carefully prepared care package filled with essential daily necessities, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, biscuits, toilet paper, shampoo, and wet wipes.

The volunteer team quickly launched emergency relief operations in response to the water and supply shortages in the disaster area. Locals have also been inspired to give back in a cycle of love. | Photo: Tzu Chi Foundation

Beyond the essential hygiene kits, the distribution also included clean drinking water and towels contributed by generous donors, directly addressing the critical public health and dietary challenges faced by the displaced residents. Through the proactive involvement and strength of the local people, the relief effort delivered not just material goods, but a foundation for the community to recover, heal, and rebuild together.

Written by Yi-Ting Wang (王藝婷)